ICFO Fellowship 2025–2026 in Spain | Fully Funded Research Opportunity

ICFO Fellowship 2025–2026 in Spain – A Golden Opportunity for Global Researchers

Dreaming of pursuing cutting-edge research in one of Europe’s most dynamic scientific environments? Here’s your chance to kick-start that journey! The ICFO Fellowship Program in Spain is now open for applications for the academic year 2025–2026, offering fully funded opportunities for international students across various academic stages – from undergraduates to postdoctoral researchers.

In this comprehensive blog, we’ll walk you through the benefits, eligibility criteria, research areas, and a step-by-step application guide for this prestigious fellowship offered by ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences.

What is the ICFO Fellowship?

The ICFO Fellowship Program is a prestigious, fully-funded opportunity designed to promote early-stage scientific training and international collaboration. It is aimed at high-achieving students and researchers wishing to pursue Final Degree Projects, Master’s Theses, internships, PhDs, or Postdoctoral research in photonics and related fields at ICFO, Spain.

Backed by the Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence accreditation awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, the program aims to elevate Spain’s global scientific leadership and nurture a new generation of talented researchers.

Levels of Study Supported

Undergraduate Final Projects
Master’s Thesis or Internships
PhD Research
Postdoctoral Research

Host Institution

ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences
Location: Barcelona, Spain

Fields of Research

ICFO welcomes research applications in a wide range of cutting-edge photonics fields, including:

Biophysics & Biomedical Optics
Optical Sensing, Optoelectronics & Photovoltaics
Nonlinear Optics, Ultrafast Optics & Atto-Physics
Nanophotonics, Optomechanics & Nanomechanics
Experimental Quantum Optics & Quantum Information
Theoretical Nanophotonics, Quantum Optics & Quantum Information

Fellowship Benefits

The ICFO Fellowship provides generous financial support tailored to the level of study:

For Undergraduate and Master’s Students:

Students residing in Catalunya: Monthly stipend of €300 (gross)
Students from outside Catalunya: Monthly stipend of €600 (gross) for full-time research
Travel expenses: Reimbursed as per eligibility

For PhD and Postdoctoral Applicants:

Please refer to specific ICFO calls and departmental announcements for funding details, as support levels vary depending on the research project and funding scheme.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the ICFO Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Language: Proficiency in English (no formal test required, but strong academic English is expected)
Nationality: Open to applicants from all countries
Academic Enrollment: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s program during their research stay at ICFO
Relevant Fields: Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, or other related disciplines

Selection is merit-based, considering:

Strong academic background
Research interest and potential
Initiative and motivation
Community involvement and teamwork

ICFO is committed to equal opportunity – applications are assessed regardless of nationality, gender, or disability status, in line with the European Charter for Researchers.

Application Process

Follow these steps carefully to apply for the ICFO Fellowship:

1. Online Registration

Click the ‘Apply To This Opening’ button on the official ICFO portal. You’ll be asked to provide basic identification and contact details. After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a personalized application link.

2. Complete Your Application

Using the link provided:

Fill in academic and personal information
Upload all required documents (PDF or plain text only)
Provide contact details of academic referees if needed

3. Final Submission

Once all documents are in place, submit your application by clicking the ‘Apply’ button. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a reference number for any future updates or queries.

Tip: Make sure all documents are complete and accurate before submitting. Applications cannot be modified after submission.

Application Deadline

The deadline varies depending on the specific fellowship cycle. Applicants are advised to regularly check the official ICFO Fellowship page for updated timelines and openings.

Why Choose ICFO?

Located near Barcelona’s tech hub, ICFO is globally recognized for its pioneering research in photonics and interdisciplinary innovation. It offers a multicultural environment, world-class laboratories, and access to elite research mentors — making it a perfect destination for aspiring scientists and engineers.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply